call out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Shout something loudly or summon services
Why “out”? Something comes into the open. People can see it, know it, or understand it.
“He called out for help.”
“A voice called out from the crowd.”
Don't confuse with
Call out means say something loudly or ask for help. Call up means phone someone.
Test yourself
“He called out for help.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
call up
A contrast learners often mix up
Telephone someone; Order someone to join military service; Display information on a screen or computer; Bring a memory or feeling vividly to mind; Select a player for a higher-level team
act out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Perform a scene, story, or plan with actions; Express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
bail out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Rescue someone, especially financially
bear out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Provide evidence that confirms what someone has said
blast out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Play music extremely loudly through speakers
break out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
(of war, fire or disease) start suddenly
bring out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Make a quality or feature more obvious; Publish or launch a new product; Cause a particular response or behaviour in someone; Take something out of a container or place to show it; Encourage a shy person to be more confident
burst out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Suddenly start crying, laughing or shouting; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) suddenly begin loudly
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “call out”.
Practice “call out” in Sink In
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